Product Owner

Product Owner

The Product Owner will be responsible for defining, prioritizing, and delivering solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience across complex technologies. This role will serve as the voice of the business, translating strategy and operational needs into actionable requirements, and ensuring that technology solutions deliver measurable value. The Product Owner will collaborate with cross-functional teams, vendors, and IT partners to manage the product backlog, oversee BAU (business-as-usual) enhancements, and drive continuous improvement. This position requires strong leadership, business acumen, and the ability to balance strategic vision with tactical execution.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Define and maintain the product vision and roadmaps across 1-2 teams of moderate complexity that align business strategy with technical solutions, ensuring clear direction for development teams and stakeholders
• Own and prioritize the product backlog, translating business needs into well-defined epics, user stories, and acceptance criteria that deliver measurable business value
• Drive consensus and collaboration by acting as the primary liaison between business stakeholders and development teams to understand business context, gather requirements, and communicate product plans and progress
• Make strategic prioritization decisions by balancing competing priorities, stakeholder needs, and resource constraints while managing defects, enhancements, and process improvements
• Lead cross-functional collaboration across business, technical, and vendor teams to design, develop, and deliver solutions that meet stakeholder expectations and timelines
• Manage product delivery through appropriate Agile/SDLC methodologies, coordinating updates and changes across all impacted teams while ensuring alignment with governance practices
• Assess and communicate risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies based on understanding of the current business environment and technical landscape
• Measure and report on product success, conducting post-implementation analysis against expected business outcomes and providing transparent status updates to leaders and stakeholders
• Oversee product budget and resource allocation for managed applications, ensuring efficient use of operating budget
• Drive continuous improvement by challenging existing processes, promoting Agile best practices, and mentoring teams on digital tools and methodologies

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This role does not have formal people leadership responsibilities but may provide guidance, mentorship, or subject matter expertise to others.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to define product vision, manage backlogs, and deliver technology solutions that drive business outcomes
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and influence decision-making
• Ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing business needs
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to challenge current processes and propose innovative alternatives
• Skilled at building relationships across business and technology teams while maintaining objectivity
• Capable of mentoring colleagues on Agile practices and digital tools
• Strong decision-making and prioritization skills, with a focus on delivering measurable business value

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education Level: Bachelor's Degree
• Years of Experience: 7+ years of experience in product ownership or business analysis
• 3+ years of technical professional experience
• Project/program management experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Years of Experience: Experience in the financial services industry
• Experience using Agile values and principles
• Six Sigma, Lean, and/or Kaizen

Other Requirements:

• This position primarily involves sedentary work, requiring long periods of sitting, regular use of a computer, and occasional standing or walking, with reasonable accommodations available.
• Perform other functions, duties and projects as assigned
• Regular and punctual attendance
• Ability to travel up to: 10% of the time

Join our employee-centric hybrid work environment: F&G Careers About F&G:

Since 1959, Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company (F&G) has offered annuity and life insurance products to those who are seeking security in retirement and protection during life's unexpected events. As a national Top Workplace1, an Iowa Top Workplace2 and a proud equal opportunity employer, F&G team members are empowered, collaborative, dynamic and authentic. We believe that by embracing these values, we will continue to build and strengthen the company while continuing to be a great place to work.

1Top Workplaces USA 2022 - 2023 2Des Moines Register Top Workplaces 2018 - 2022